"We are the better team, but if you don't score, you can't win." That was coach Ruben Amorim's assessment after Manchester United's defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final last season.
Despite being obvious, Amorim is still right at Man United's biggest problem. This summer, the "Red Devils" leadership has determined to thoroughly address that weakness, spending more than £200 million bringing the new attack trio Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to Old Trafford.
If the attack is not improved, the "Red Devils" can only blame themselves, and Amorim will have to face a series of difficult questions to answer.
Unless of a serious incident, Man United should have scored more goals than last season. However, they are unlikely to become a complete team, capable of competing fairly with Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the championship race.
The huge spending cannot cover up the fact that the "Red Devils" are still unbalanced and especially weak in the midfield area. This is considered the most key position in modern football.
However, Man United can completely solve this problem with a contract with Carlos Baleba from Brighton. The deal will increase their total spending to £300 million, but could also be a turning point, turning Amorim's team into a true candidate for the Premier League title.
And if the Red Devils are serious about their ambition to return to the top, this is a deal they will have to make.
Baleba possesses a rare combination of physical and technical strength - a factor that Man United's current midfield is lacking. From the age of 10, he was trained in physical strength with his father, with continuous runs for two hours.
To improve agility, Baleba also makes sprints between truck tires, then receives the ground with a steep turn. This was a move that later became a trademark in his goal celebrations.
Sharing with the British press, Baleba said: "It was my father's idea. He said that if I learned a lot, I would spend more time reading situations or scoring goals. I would run to a tire, jump up and wade forward or backward. It's very easy for me."
In 2023, Brighton signed Baleba to replace Moises Caicedo - who moved to Chelsea for £115 million. The Amex team spent £23 million to bring him back from Lille, although the midfielder has only played 21 times for the French team, where he played alongside defender Leny Yoro.
At first, Baleba had not won a regular starting position under Roberto De Zerbi, but the Italian strategist still considered him the future of Brighton.
Baleba is certainly not a cheap target, as Brighton currently valu him at around £100 million. This number is likely to increase, and in just one year, Baleba could be out of reach for Man United.
Despite spending heavily this summer, the "Red Devils" are still financially capable of pursuing a deal thanks to a credit limit allowing loans of up to 140 million pounds. Their financial situation is expected to improve when they complete the sale of Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, along with the ability to earn significant additional funds from the liquidation of Jadon Sancho and Antony.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that the Baleba deal could make Man United a true championship candidate.
Unlike Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City or Arsenal, the "Red Devils" next season will not be distracted by European competitions. Playing only one game a week will help them stay fit, reduce the risk of injury and maintain stability throughout the season.
History has proven this advantage. Leicester City won the Premier League in 2015-2016, partly thanks to their absence from the European Cup. And Chelsea also repeated the same feat just a year later.
